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COMPLETE  METHOD 

PYRAMID  BUILDING  - 


*•  »'   »•*»*•*•            •••   • 

•  •• .  •  4  J., ;  J    •••  i\  i  .1     • 

BY 

JOSEPH  PASKOVSKY 

U 

TRANSLATION  ^  DR.  R.  JICINSKY 

and-  HENRY  SMIDL 

CHICAGO,    ILL. 


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JOSEPH  PASKOVSKY 

CHIEF  OF  TECHNICAL  COMMITTEE  OF  BOHEMIAN 
"SOKOL"  SOCIETIES 


494ir)3 


COPYRIGHT  1919 
BY  JOS.  I'ASKOVSKt 


INTRODUCTION 


HIS  book  was  written,  because  there 
is  absolutely  nothing  of  its  kind 
in  technical  literature ;  neither  has 
there  been  a  similar  work  published, 
which,  really  would  be  a  complete 
and  suitable  manual  for  our  col- 
leagues, the  teachers  and  instruct- 
ors in  this  branch  oi:  physical  edu- 
cation. 

I  sincerely  hope  that  the  teach- 
ers and  instructors  in  the  schools, 
or  even  of  smaller  organizations,  where  they  have 
not  enough  apparatus  in  their  gymnasiums  at  their 
disposal,  will  gladly  accept  this  book,  which  gives 
them  rich  material  for  regular  work  in  classes,  as 
well  as  for  public  exhibition  programs  and  various 
celebrations. 

All  the  groups  and  pyramids,  as  you  find  them 
in  this  book,  were  formed,  assembled  and  executed 
by  the  active  members  of  the  gymnastic  association 
of  Bohemian  Sokols,  the  **Sokol  Chicago",  where  I 
had  at  my  disposal  a  large  number  of  the  best 
gymnasts  and  thus  had  an  opportunity  to  build  the 
most  difficult  groups  and  pyramids  with  most  beauti- 
ful statuesque  posing,  as  you  find  them  on  the  dif- 
ferent pages  of  this  book. 

The  photographing  process  was  executed  by 
an  amateur,  a  member  of  the  "Sokol  Chicago"  Jos. 


Sliva,  and  the  half-tone  illustrations  were  made  by 
the  well  known  firm  Franklin  Engraving  Co.,  720- 
734  S.  Dearborn  St.,  Chicago,  111. 

I  would  like  to  introduce  more  of  the  pos- 
sibilities of  the  formation  and  building  of  groups 
and  pyramids  into  this  work,  but  the  expense  of 
illustrations  was  such,  that  I  had  to  limit  myself  only 
to  the  most  necessary  figures  of  fundamental 
character,  so  that  every  instructor,  teacher  and 
active  leader  may  have  the  best  at  hand  for  his 
own  creative  impulses  of  selections. 

I  wish  that  this  little  book  may  help  those,  for 
whom  it  is  specially  designed,  that  is  our  instructors, 
teachers,  active  members  and  others. 

Joseph  Paskovsky. 


GROUP  AND  PYRAMID. 

THE  exercises  in  the  grouping,  assembling,  build- 
ing and  forming  of  pyramids  with  statuesque 
posing,  are  the  most  interesting  in  our  system  of 
gymnastics,  but  the  work  itself  is  not  developed 
in  gymnasiums  as  far  as  it  should  be. 

The  art  of  grouping  the  human  bodies  in  a 
whole  as  a  class  exercise,  is  not  new;  it  was  well 
known  to  the  Assyrians  and  the  people  of  the  Levant 
who  distinguished  themselves  in  acrobatics,  fencing 
and  other  exercises  of  the  body.  In  old  Venice  too, 
homage  was  done  to  this  class  of  gymnastics  and 
proofs  are  in  existence  that  the  families  of  Castel- 
lans and  of  their  enemies  the  Nicollets  settled  their 
misunderstandings  not  with  barbarian  combats,  but 
rather  with  development  of  groups  and  formation 
and  building  of  pyramids. 

Their  agility  was  wonderful  in  that  respect, 
and  they  assembled  sometimes  more  than  thirty 
performing  gymnasts  in  groups,  pyramids  and  tab- 
leau, founded  on  the  most  beautiful  species  of  art 
and  architecture.  And  even  to-day  we  may  meet 
individual  groups  of  Arabs.  Japanese  and  Chinese 
who  arouse  us  with  wonder  and  aoDreciation,  as  they 
are  performing  their  grouos  and  pyramids,  gaining 
the  applause  of  the  public.  The  groups  of  these 
professionals  have  usually  the  sign  of  specialty,  that 
the  whole  weight  of  ten,  twelve  or  more  members 
being  on  the  shoulders  of  one  man. 

The  pyramids  offer  almost  an  unlimited  field 
for  every  instructor  of  creative  mind,  and  the  fact, 


that  they  enable  also  the  less  proficient  to  participate 
in  their  building,  makes  them  very  attractive  to  all 
the  members  of  our  gymnastic  classes. 

These  exercises  are  performed :  without  the  ap- 
paratus, with  the  apparatus  or  on  the  apparatus, 
and  either  at  the  gymnasium  or  in  the  open  air,  any- 
where without  special  arrangements  and  prepara- 
tions. In  a  comparatively  short  time  the  actives  will 
learn  their  parts,  the  procedure  of  cultivation  looks 
good,  rich  and  is  effective  even  with  less  conscious 
efforts.  Not  only  does  it  give  us  in  the  regular 
hours  of  our  class  work  the  most  entertaining 
material  of  considerable  educational  value,  useful 
and  practical,  but  the  various  groups  and  pyramids 
could  be  used  with  success  for  the  finale  or  con- 
clussion  of  public  exhibitions,  or  we  may  connect 
the  same  with  simple  free  exercises,  or  still  more 
enrich  our  programs  at  many  occassions,  celebra- 
tions, socials,  academies,  festivals  etc.,  especially 
if  proper  care  is  taken  in  the  selection  of  the  poses 
and  their  correct  imitation. 


DIVISION  OF  GROUPS  AND 
CLASSIFICATIONS. 

THE  exercises  in  assembling,  forming  and  build- 
ing of  groups  and  pyramids  are  divided  into 
three  main  classes,  that  is: 

1.  Groups  simple — without  apparatus. 

2.  Groups  with  apparatus. 

3.  Groups  on  the  apparatus. 

Groups  and  pyramids  simple  or  without  ap- 
paratus are  those  in  which  we  employ  human  bodies 
only,  without  any  other  help.  This  class  of  activity 
is  the  most  accessible  and  we  may  state,  the  most 
popular.  It  may  be  used,  when  thoroughly  mastered^ 
at  any  time  and  everywhere  without  special  prepa- 
rations. 

Groups  with  apparatus  are  similar  to  the 
groups  and  pyramids  of  simple  character.  In  these 
we  may  employ  long  poles  and  wands.  The  ad- 
vantage of  these  we  see  mainly  in  much  stronger 
construction  and  also  in  the  possibility  of  inserting 
in  their  structure  more  pendant  and  stationary 
positions,  as  we  see  them  on  different  apparatus. 

Pyramids  on  the  apparatus  are  those,  in  which 
we  use  all  kinds  of  apparatus  employed  at  our 
gymnasiums,  namely  parallel  bars,  horse,  buck, 
table,  horizontal  bar,  suspended  rings,  ladders  free 
or  fixed,  climbing  poles,  balance  board,  chairs  etc. 


We  may  build  and  construct  the  groups  or 
pyramids  on  one,  two  or  more  pieces  of  apparatus  of 
the  same  sort,  or  of  different  kind,  this  depending 
more  on  the  inventive  and  creative  powder  of  the  in- 
structor himself.  These  groups  and  exercises  give 
us  also  plenty  of  material,  which  can  not  be  ex- 
hausted so  soon  and  with  strong  members  we  may 
produce  wonderfull  results. 

The  first  two  main  divisions  of  groups  and 
pyramids  we  have  to  divide  again  into  three  sub- 
ordinate classes,  that  is: 

a)  Groups  and  pyramids  flat. 

b)  Groups  and  pyramids  conical. 

c)  Groups  and  pyramids  movable. 

Class  3.  does  not  include  the  subordinate  class 
c)  i.  fc.  movable  pyramids,  because  these  are  built 
on  fixed  apparatus. 

Flat  groups  and  pyramids  which  are  the  most 
simple  in  working  order  may  be  built  even  with  a 
small  number  of  members  and  are  used  most  often. 
They  may  be  employed  with  success  especially  there, 
where  the  public  is  in  front  of  the  stage,  high  wall 
etc.  There  the  foundation  line  is  usually  in  the 
form  of  straight  line  (1)  or  oval  (2). 


These  groups  or  pyramids  we  assemble,  build 
and  form  in  a  majority  of  cases  in  the  form  of  a 
triangle  (3)  (4)  or  oval  (5)  and  also  a  square  (6), 
but  seldom  have  to  use  a  different  figure  and  that 
only  in  exercise  of  this  branch  on  the  apparatus. 

10 


Conical  groups  and  pyramids  are  less  custom- 
ary, because  the  actual  work  requires  a  larger  num- 
ber and  more  agile  participants,  than  in  a  flat  one. 
But  they  may  be  used  with  advantage  at  open  places 
and  on  specially  constructed  stages,  being  then  more 
•effective. 

As  to  the  fundamental  line  we  accept  usually 
in  these  groups  a  triangle  3.,  square  6.,  a  ring  7., 
or  any  other  kind  of  angle  8. 


V^ 


These  groups  or  pyramids  are  usually  built  in 
the  form  of  a  cone  9.,  pyramid  10.,  or  in  case  ap- 
paratus is  employed,  as  fixed  ladders  for  instance, 
in  the  form  of  a  rose  11. 


Groups  movable  are  mostly  of  entertaining  and- 
amusing  character.  In  the  construction  of  those  it 
is  important  to  have  in  view  alv^ays  the  firmness  of 
their  foundations  and  the  security  of  combination, 
so  that  v^ith  the  movement  of  the  men  in  stepping 
here  and  there  no  one  would  be  injured,  or  the 
picture  in  its  detail  scattered. 

These  movable  pyramids  we  may  divide  again 
into  two  classes,  i.  e. 

1.  Groups  or  pyramids  moving  around  their 
own  axis,  i.  e.  in  a  circle. 

2.  Groups  or  pyramids  moving  in  one  straight 
direction,  or  "walking  pyramids". 

Other  subordinate  classification  of  the  groups- 
and  pyramids  is  as  follows: 

1.  Complete  rows. 

2.  Half  rows. 

3.  Mixed. 

Complete  rows  are  created  when  the  support 
of  the  higher  row  is  done  in  a  standing  position  on 
the  shoulders  of  the  lower  row. 

Half  rows  originate  when  the  support  of  the 
higher  row  is  lower  than  the  shoulders. 


12 


Mixed  rows,  we  have,  when  both  the  forms 
"mentioned  above  are  represented. 

Therefore  as  we  use  as  fundamental  parts  of 
standing  positions  or  the  supports,  we  may  divide 
again  the  groups  or  pyramids  in  higher  and  lower 
ones. 

If  the  whole  group  or  pyramid  is  a  combina- 
tion by  itself,  we  call  the  same  a  simple  group.  If 
it  is  assembled,  built  or  constructed  with  and  com- 
bined with  other  forms  of  groups,  either  similar,  or 
larger  and  smaller  in  their  composition,  we  call  such 
.a  group  or  pyramid  a  complex  group. 


CONDITIONS  NECESSARY  IN  CORRECT  AND 

EXACT  BUILDING  OF  GROUPS 

AND  PYRAMIDS. 

IN  these  exercises  and  building  of  groups  and  pyra- 
mids we  have  to  consider  three  very  important 
points : 

1.  Correct  and  gradual  development. 

2.  Firmness  and  security  of  construction. 

3.  General  appearance  and  beauty. 

For  correct  development  it  is  necessary  to 
ascertain  first,  what  kind  a  group  or  pyramid 
the  teacher  or  the  instructor  would  like  to  have. 
And  in  the  real  construction  of  the  same  he  has  to 
form  first  the  middle  part  of  the  group,  which  being 
the  skeleton  of  the  whole,  receives  then  the  sidings 
and  if  necessary  the  first  frontal  fill-ups. 

The  weight  has  to  be  divided  in  such  a  way 
that  the  weight  of  one  man  in  upper  row  would  be 
supported  by  two  men  of  the  lower  rows. 

If  we  are  exercising  more  groups  and  pyramids, 
we  should  always  begin  with  the  most  simple  ones, 
going  gradually  to  the  complicated  formations 
culminating  with  the  last  one  of  beauty  and  real 
composition  of  agility  and  balance. 

Under  construction  we  understand  first  the 
secure  position  of  those  men,  forming  fundamental 
part  of  the  whole  structure  and  also  strong  connec- 
tions of  the  men  in  all  the  upper  rows.  Both  pro- 
cedures have  to  take  place  in  such  way  that  one 

15 


of  the  men  would  be  to  the  other  one  a  complete  sup- 
port, not  allowing  anyone  in  a  weak  position  to 
receive  the  weight  of  others.  Such  a  group  or 
pyramid  would  not  be  strong  enough  to  withstand 
any  slight  movement  and  simply  may  break  down. 

In  many  more  difficult  flat  groups,  we  may  help 
ourselves  in  such  a  way,  that  the  actual  building 
takes  place  near  the  wall  of  the  place,  the  upper 
row  of  the  actives  having  thus  a  better  backing. 

General  appearance  and  beauty.  With  every 
exercise  and  exhibition,  we  have  to  take  proper  care 
that  the  movements  themselves  fully  answer  to  the 
purpose  of  beauty,  aesthetics  and  complete  comeli- 
ness and  that  counts  especially  with  the  building  of 
groups,  pyramids  and  statuesque  posing.  We  have 
to  give  all  attention  not  only  to  the  positions,  but  to 
the  individual  poses  which  have  to  be  practiced 
most  diligently  to  the  most  perfect  type,  and  not 
executed  carelessly.  The  bodies  in  straight  and  up- 
right posture,  heads  raised,  small  of  the  back  curved 
properly  will  make  the  groups  twice  as  beautiful, 
than  the  execution  of  the  work  without  care. 
Another  demand  in  regard  to  comeliness  of  the 
groups  is  symmetry.  Without  it  no  grouping  seems 
to  be  possible.  And  therefore  in  selection  of  the 
participants  we  should  observe  that  for  the  same 
positions  and  poses  on  both  sides,  the  men  are 
selected  of  nearly  the  same  development,  form  and 
built.  Then  from  the  aesthetic  standpoint  few  things 
will  bring  out  the  beauty  of  body  lines  more  satis- 
factorily than  a  fine  physique  in  a  correctly  executed 
and  well  selected  pose.   (Globisch.) 


16 


^^'^S^^3^S^^S^^^S^S^^3^lMl^^^SS^^§^^^^§^S^^§ 


IN  WHAT  MANNER  WE  HAVE  TO  PROCEED 

IN  EXECUTION  AND  PRACTICE  OF 

THE  GROUPS  AND  PYRAMIDS. 


'cir^  VERY  teacher  of  physical    culture,    or  an  in- 
£a      structor    in    gymnastic,    whatever    he    may 


practice  in  actual  active  work  or  employ  in  class  for 
demonstration,  has  to  have  his  plan  ready  in  ad- 
vance. If  he  does  not  care  to  assemble,  build  or 
form  a  group  or  a  pyramid  according  to  the  illustra- 
tion or  picture  of  these  exercises,  shown  somewhere 
else,  and  would  like  to  produce  his  own  original 
work,  he  may  simply  draw  his  own  plan  in  straight 
lines  and  come  before  his  class  fully  prepared.  If 
there  is  some  correction  or  change  necessary  it  can 
be  made  right  during  the  practice,  and  there  is 
absolutely  no  loss  of  time. 

Such  a  plan  will  be  sufficient  as  the  guide  in  his 
hands  to  proceed  easily  and  systematically.  The 
groups  and  their  formation  are  selected  or  produced 
according  to  the  development  of  the  participants 
who  may  be  available. 


Further,  a  very  important  point,  leading  to  the 
most  successiul  formation  of  groups  and  pyramids 
is  the  selection  of  the  performing  men.  For  the 
foundation  it  is  urgent  to  select  actives  only  of 
strong  bodily  construction,  similar  figure,  and  as  far 
as  it  is  possible,  of  high  stature  and  good  form;  for 
the  middle  rows  actives  highly  developed  of  agility, 
middle  weight  and  for  the  upper  rows  especially 
agile  and  skillful  members  are  chosen,  light  and 
careful.  Right  from  the  start  in  the  selection  of 
actives  we  have  to  take  in  consideration  the  main 
point  of  successful  building  of  groups :  the  symmetry 
in  choosing  our  participants  for  same  position  on 
both  sides,  or  actives  nearly  of  the  same  figure,  form, 
stature  and  development. 

If  we  are  building  groups  or  pyramids,  com- 
posed of  smaller  ones,  it  is  necessary  first  to  begin 
with  execution  and  drilling  of  individual  parts 
and  then  step  by  step  to  come  to  the  final  grouping. 
If  we  proceed  that  way,  much  of  unnecessary  exer- 
tion and  talking  is  saved.  It  is  certainly  of  advant- 
age in  practicing  the  building  of  especially  large 
groups  and  pyramids,  to  number  all  the  participants 
and  actives,  just  as  well  as  the  illustration  of  ours 
according  to  the  plan  of  the  work  itself,  and  that 
way  to  gain  a  better  review  of  action  and  the  actual 
progress. 

A  very  important  step  in  practicing  the  exer- 
cises of  building  the  groups  and  pyramids  is  to 
prevent  any  obstruction  of  the  actives  to  each 
other  by  stopping  aimless  running  around  from  place 
to  place.  We  therefore  assign  to  every  member 
the  position  to  be  entered  upon  right  from  the 
beginning:  and  h's  place,  wherefrom  he  mav  get 
as  soon  as  possible  and  by  the  shortest  way  and 
without  obstruction  to  others  to  his  fundamental, 
or  first  position.     In  dissolution  or  discontinuance  the 


first  group,  the  first  fundamental  position  at  once 
has  to  be  arranged  for  the  second  group,  the  per- 
forming actives  changing  their  places  according  to 
their  pose,  grade  and  necessity,  reaching  in  the 
shortest  way  and  without  obstacles  the  position  as- 
signed to  them  in  the  second  group.  With  these  tran- 
sition periods,  we  may  also  combine  special  poses, 
statues  or  living  symbolic  pictures  of  old  or  modern 
athletic  events,  or  from  specially  significant  groups 
of  modern  statuary.  But  here,  we  have  to  bear  in 
mind  that  the  gymnastic  value  of  the  groups  must 
not  by  any  means  to  suffer  giving  us  the  proper 
effect  only  with  certain  meaning,  historical  or  other- 
wise. 

Every  group  or  pyramid,  especially  of  larger 
and  more  complex  grouping,  it  is  well,  if  not  im- 
perative, to  build  in  several  counts  or  signals,  not 
less  than  three.  It  is  certainly  possible,  namely  in 
exercising  and  building  of  smaller  groups  to  start 
at  one  count  or  signal  only,  but  we  may  risk  such  a 
procedure  in  a  case  of  perfect  condition  of  the 
actives  trained  and  ready  to  obey  the  command  with 
proper  qualifications  in  cultivation  of  speed,  strength, 
accuracy  and  agility.  Slow,  tardy  walking  up  and 
down  spoils  the  whole  arrangement  and  effect. 

If  we  are  building  a  group  on  three  different 
signals,  we  have  to  come  at  the  first  signal  from  the 
first  position  to  the  fundamental  poses,  that  is,  the 
actives  forming  the  fundamental  of  the  groups  go  to 
their  assigned  places,  and  those  who  have  to  climb 
into  the  upper  rows  have  to  be  ready  for  rising.  At 
the  second  signal  they  swing  upwards,  those  who  are 
assigned  to  places,  and  those  who  have  to  climb  into, 
if  necessary.  At  the  third  signal  the  members  ending 
the  grouping  take  their  places  on  the  sides,  in  the 
middle  and  the  front  as  directed,  finishing  the  whole 
figure  in  no  time.     If  there    are    handstands,    the 

19 


typical  swings  and  balance  exercises  employed,  those 
selected  for  this  act  take  their  places  at  the  second 
signal  and  swing  in  position  required  at  the  third 
signal.  All  positions  should  be  graceful  and  well 
balanced  and  not  strained. 

For  handstands,  in  upper  rows  of  our  groupings 
only  those  actives  are  employed  as  fit  and  able  who 
have  good  record  in  class  work,  being  proficient 
in  diflfiicult  movements  and  whose  swings  are 
executed  directly  on  hands  without  push  or  vault- 
ing or  are  of  high  standard  of  excellence  as  re- 
quired to  qualify  for  such  work. 

The  discontinuance  or  cessation  of  groups  in 
their  individual  form  takes  place  on  one  signal, 
and  in  such  a  manner  that  the  actives  may  quickly 
take  up  the  new  formation.  First  the  actives 
of  the  upper  rows  have  to  jump  down,  then  the 
lower  ones  have  to  part,  or  the  groups  are  dissolved 
in  reverse  of  the  actual  building  of  the  same,  that  is 
from  upper  rows  down.  Otherwise  it  could  easily 
happen,  if  someone  of  the  participating  actives  of 
the  lower  row  would  abandon  his  place  too  soon, 
that  the  whole  group  might  collapse  and  the  uppers 
sustain  dangerous  injuries. 

In  the  practical  management  of  classes,  teach- 
ing and  exercising  the  groups,  pyramids  and  stat- 
uesque posing  on  the  stage  we  may  arrange  the  build- 
ing and  grouping  first  and  then  let  the  curtain  go  up. 
When  down,  we  may  rapidly  and  smoothly  prepare 
the  second  group  and  so  on.  This  mode  of  action 
will  be  of  advantage  to  us  especially  in  arranging 
for  heavy  work  of  grouping  and  more  complex 
groups  for  the  building  of  which  we  need  all  kinds 
of  help  and  different  aid  and  support,  belts,  bands 
etc. 

The  most  important  point  in  the  arrangement 
and  introduction  and  building  of  gymnastic  groups 

20 


and  pyramids  will    be    found    certainly   with    the 
costume  used  and  the  actual  "make  up". 

If  we  are  performing  groups  and  pyramids  at 
a  public  exhibition  or  any  other  mass  drills  or  tourn- 
aments, it  is  well  to  use  our  simple  costumes  or 
gymnastic  uniforms. 

On  the  other  hand,  if  we  are  performing  **even- 
ing  socials",  ''academies",  or  similar  celebrations, 
where  building  groups,  pyramids  or  posing  take 
place  on  the  stage,  we  may  without  hesitation  use 
a  suitable  costume  answering  to  the  original  idea  of 
the  actual  construction  and  the  meaning  of  the 
grouping,  which  will  then  in  its  executions,  dignity, 
refinement  and  presentation  gain  very  much. 

We  may  also  use  white  suits,  tights  or  white 
shirts,  short  trousers,  pantaloons  tightened  at  the 
knees,  white  stockings  and  slippers.  If  we  have 
black  background  in  such  performance,  the  effect 
of  the  statues,  groups  and  pyramids  will  be  excel- 
lent. We  may  also  use  costumes  of  different  colors, 
for  example  white  and  black,  grooping  the  same  in 
dainty  pictures  with  most  beautiful   effects. 

Many  groups  and  pyramids  especially  those  of 
conical  form,  which  have  to  bring  out  a  certain  idea 
or  the  work  of  creative  art,  sculpture  or  architect- 
ure, may  be  imitated  and  practiced  in  exercises 
without  of  "making  up",  or  any  dress,  employing 
only  tight  belts  and  supporting  girths,  the  naked 
bodies  giving  us  opportunity  to  demonstrate  the 
most  artistic  features  of  the  whole  procedure.  For 
such  an  occasion,  however,  we  must  select  men  of 
the  best  musculature,  proper  development  and  good 
form,  considerable  Dractice,  good  muscle,  sense  and 
control.  Heart  and  soul  should  be  in  the  pose  and 
not  merely  the  physique. 


Although  some  people  of  peculiar  tastes  and 
most  simple  views  might  try  their  best  to  observe 
in  such  educational  work  something  unbecoming 
and  improper,  I  have  to  state  that  there  is  absolutely 
nothing  immoral  in  seeing  beautiful  bodies  of  hu- 
man beings;  on  the  contrary  we  are  helping  thus  to 
remove  the  old  prejudices  of  different  hypocrites 
and  individuals  and  in  acquiring  confidence  in  our 
educational  work  are  securing  friends  in  all  the 
circles  of  our  people. 

In  arranging  and  building  of  such  groups  and 
pyramids  we  have  to  take  certainly  the  light  effects 
in  consideration  and  stage  the  place  accordingly. 
The  background  or  curtain  should  be  dark  or  black. 
The  spotlight  has  to  be  sharp  and  concentrated,  the 
electric  lamps  with  reflectors,  with  suitable  frames 
for  changing  colors,  and  producing  the  desired 
effects  with  Bengal  light,  magnesium  etc.,  if  neces- 
sary. 


22 


DIFFERENT  **stunts",  which  in  our  gymnastic 
activities  are  placed  under  the  head  of  "mis- 
cellaneous exercises",  should  form  a  part  of  every 
gymnastic  program,  by  these  exercises  the  agility 
is  developed  to  a  great  extent  and  we  are  also 
gradually  mastering  control  of  our  muscles,  which 
is  so  necessary  m  keeping  a  balance  and  no  mem- 
ber, taking  part  in  pyramid  building,  should  be 
without  these  necessary  qualifications.  I  have  se- 
lected for  this  work  some  of  those  so-called  "stunts", 
which  are  especially  helpful  in  pyramid  building 
and  which  may  be  practiced  either  by  individuals, 
or  by  the  groups  of  two's  or  three's.  These  miscel- 
laneous exercises  are  great  source  of  amusement 
and  as  a  rule  are  in  great  favor  among  the  members 
of  our  gymnastic  classes. 

Some  of  the  poses,  taken  from  our  calisthenic 
exercises,  are  utilized  nearly  in  every  pyramid  and 
it  is  absolutely  necessary  to  acquire  perfect  form  in 
these  exercises,  before  building  of  pyramids  is  at- 
tempted. For  in  more  complex  groupings  it  is  well 
impossible,  to  pay  attention  to  every  individual  and 
careless  positions  would  mar  the  symmetry  and 
beauty  of  our  work. 

These  positions  should  be  practiced  diligently 
in  classes  so  as  to  enable  every  member  to  master 
just  as  perfect  form  of  executions  as  possible.  The 
poses  of  individual  participants  in  pyramids,  vary 
in  every  pyramid  and  the  more  proficient  the  mem- 
bers become  in  these  exercises  the  less  diflficulty  we 
experience  and  the  faultless  poses  will  add  greatly 
to  the  beautv  of  the  structure.  For  this  reason  the 
instructor  should  insist  on  perfect  execution  of  the 
most  elementary  movements  in  the  calisthenic  exer- 
cises. 


23 


PREPARATORY 
EXERCISES. 


Preparatory  Exercises 


Lunging  right  (Lt) 
sideward  with 
arms  sideward 


Lunging  right  (Lt)  for- 
ward with  arms  ob- 
liquely foreupward 


26 


for  Individual  Members 


Head  Stand 


Support  Lying  Frontways 


Hand  Stand 


^ 


27 


Stride  Stand  with  hands, 
on  hips 


Support  Kneeling  Front- 
ways (on  all  four) 


Balance  Stand  frontways  right  (Lt),  arms  foreupward, 
palms  down 


28 


Kneeling  left  (Rt),  arms  upward 


Trunk  lowered    forward, 

arms  upward,  palms 

down 


Support  Kneeling  on  right  (Lt\  knee  and  left  (Rt) 
arm,  with  opposite  arm  and  leg  extended 


29 


Preparatory  Exercises 


Shoulder  Stand,  support- 
ed by  knees  and  hands  of 
No.  2  lying 


Lever,  with   scissor  hold 
on  body  of  No.  2,  support- 
ed by   thighs  and  hands 
of  No.  2 


Head  Stand  supported  by 

knees  and  hands  of 

No.  2  lying 


for  Two  Members 


Head  Stand  on  back   of 
No.  2  in  support  kneeling 


Support  kneeling, 
with  opposite  arm 
and  leg  extended, 
on  shoulder  and 
wrist  of  No.  2 
standing 


Hand  Stand  on   chest  of 

No.  2,  and  supported  by 

hands  of  No.  2  lying 


Preparatory  Exercises 


Pyramid  of  two 

members,  to  fill 

out  centers 


Lever  on  shoulders 
with  scissor  hold  on 
neck  of  No.  2,  sup- 
ported by  hands  and 
shoulders  of  No.  2 


Balance  support  on 

hands  of  No.  2, 

lying  with  arms 

forward 


32 


for  Two  Members 


Pyramid  of  two 

members,  to 

fill  out 

centers 


n 
11 


Shoulder  Stand  on  soles 
of  No.  2,  lying 


Pyramid  of  two 

members,  to  fill 

out  sides 


33 


Preparatory  Exercises 


Stand  on  hands  of  No.  2. 
Hands  clasped  in  rear. 


Support  lying 
Frontways  on 
knees  &  hands 
of  No.  2  lying. 


Hand  Stand  on  thigh,  supported 
by  hands  of  No.  2  kneeling. 


34 


for  two  members 


Chest  Stand,  supported 

by  chest  and  hands  of 

No.  .2  standing. 


i 


Shoulder  Stand  on  thighs 
of  No.  2  in  support  lying 
rearways,     knee    flexed. 


Hand  Stand  on  back  of 

No.  2  in  support 

kneeling. 


35 


Preparatory  Exercises 


Head  Stand  on  head  of  No.  2, 
supported  by  hands. 


Lever  on  hands  of  No.  2 
with  arms  upward. 


Hand  Stand  on  back  of  No.  2  in 
lunge  position,  trunk  lowered 
forward,  hands  on  floor. 


36 


for  two  members 


Stand  on  shoulders  of  No.  2 
supported  by  hands. 


Balance  support  on  hands  of  No.  2 
standing  arms  upward. 


Stand  on  soles  of  No.  2  lying. 


37 


Preparatory  Exercises 


Stand  on  hands  of  No.  2 
arms  upward. 


Balance  Stand  left,  arm  for- 
ward, on  the  shoulder  of  No.  2 
supported  by   hands  of  No.  2 


Head  Stand  on  back  of  No.  2 

No.  2  with  hands  on  knees 

as  a  support. 


38 


for  two  members 


Hand  Stand  on  knees  of  No.  2 

supported  by  hands  of  No. 

2  in  a  stride  stand,  half 

knee  bend  position. 


Head    Stand    back    to 

back,    legs  lowered  to 

balance  (horizontal) 

position. 


Lever  with  scissor  hold 
on  body  of  No.  2  sup- 
ported by  hands  of  No. 
2  at  the  ankles. 


39 


PYRAMIDS  WITHOUT 
APPARATUS. 


Pyramids  Composed 

Serving  Independently 


of  three  members 

or  to  fill  out  centers 


Pyramids  Composerf 

Serving  Independentljr 


44 


of  three  members 

or  to  fill  out  centers. 


mfidL 


45 


Pyramids  Composed 

Serving  to  fill 


46 


of  three  members 

out  sides. 


47 


±_ 


Pyramids  Composed 

Serving  Independently 


?'\y 


48 


of  three  members 

or  to  fill  out  centers. 


Pyramids^  Composed',^of 

Serving  to  fill 


50 


three  and  four  members 

out  sides. 


Pyramids  Composed 


52 


of  five  members 


jk 


53 


Pyramids  Composed 


of  six  members 


55 


Pyramids  Composed 


of  seven  members 


Pyramids  Composed 


58 


of  eight  members 


*  h . 


59 


Pyramids  Composed 


of  nine  and  ten  members 


J^:J^ 


61 


CONICAL  AND  WALKING 
PYRAMIDS 


Conical 


IK 


64 


Pyramids 


\^ 


W' 


N 


,^ 


Ml 


65 


Walking 


66 


Pyramids 


^i^,^A\ 


m^±y 


l/A.fA 


67 


PYRAMIDS  WITH 
APPARATUS. 


Pyramids  with 


70 


Short  Wands 


Aft  A 


Pyramids  with 


/>4^7^ 


72 


Short  Wands 


I 


^n. 


i 


73 


PYRAMIDS  ON 
APPARATUS. 


Pyramids 


76 


on  Buck 


77 


Pyramids  on  one 


and  two  Bucks 


Pyramids  on 


Side  Horse 


Pyramids  on 


r '**' 


82 


Side  Horse 


1^ 


83 


Pyramids  on  two 


84 


Side  Horses 


m!rX 


Pyramids 


86 


on  Chairs 


87 


Pyramids 


on  Chairs 


Pyramids  on  one,  two 


90 


and  threeiTables 


Pyramids  on  Combinedl 


Tables  and  Chairs 


\^\ 


^^^S^^m^Mi 


^ 


:^d^Mk^^ 


/< 


I^^S 


Pyramids  on  the  end 


6v  mw 


« 


of  Parallel  Bar 


Pyramids  on 


96 


Parallel  Bar 


97 


Pyramids  on 


Parallel  Bar 


Pyramids 


100 


101 


Pyramids  on  two  and 


102 


three  Movable  Ladders 


!03 


Pyramids  on  two  Ladders 


e 


■A» 


-"^-  ■nn--fit  ' 


''  ^  f 

m 


■^naMMrao"' 


-  --^^^--'-^^---^^ 


104 


fastened  together  at  the  top 

t 


105 


Pyramids  on  two  and  four  Ladders 


I 


fastened  together  at  the  top 


m 


Pyramids  ott 


Balance  Boards 


kVk 


«'■  vv 


Pyramids  on 


no 


Horizontal  Bar 


111 


436 


PRINTED    BY     KUSTA   &    MEJDRICH 
2616    SO.    LAWNDALE   AVE. 

CHICAGO.  III. 


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YB   19870 


